PYRO 2022
May 2022 aw the return of The 23rd edition of the International Conference on Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (also known as PYRO2022) in Ghent, Belgium.
The stunning Ghent University hosted and the entire event was lead by ABC-Salts very own Frederik Ronsse and Wolter Pins.
Furthermore, four ABC-SALT PhD researchers presented posters that this years conference.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass for fuels: Influence of temperature and co-solvents
Siu R.H.M., Cherukkattu Manayil J., Bridgwater A.V., Nowakowski D.J.
Aston University, Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Vapor phase upgrading from biomass hydropyrolysis in chloride molten salts
Estrada A., Ghysels S., Guedes T., Prins W., Ronsse F.
Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass Research Group, Dept. of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Catalytic hydro-pyrolysis of lignin in molten salt media: Influence of process conditions on products formation and composition
Sridharan B., Krisman B.G.A., Genuino H.C., Wilbers E., Velasco J., Winkelman J.G.M, Heeres H.J.
Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Delegates from academia, research institutes and industry presented their latest results and defined the needs for future developments This was done in sessions with oral and poster presentations, with ample opportunities for discussion.The program included topics varying from fundamental studies and advanced analytical techniques, up to pyrolysis applications in a commercial setting. The conference is not limited merely to applied biomass pyrolysis for renewable energy; it also dedicated a significant part to the thermal decomposition of materials like coal, plastics / polymers, and composites. Products of pyrolysis can be used for (renewable) fuels and advanced materials; valuable green chemicals can be extracted or synthesized from them and, if properly characterized, they can lead to identification of the parent material.
It is the first time that Belgium hosted the PYRO conference. Previous conferences were held in France (3), Germany (3), Spain (3), England (2), Austria (2), Hungary (2), Japan (2), The Netherlands (2), Italy (1) and Sweden (1). The latest editions held in Birmingham (2014), Nancy (2016) and Kyoto (2018) were chaired by Tony Bridgewater, Anthony Dufour and Hajime Ohtani respectively; they have been very successful with an increasing number of participants from all over the world.
This time, near 300 participants attended, and organisers accommodated around 80 oral and 150 – 200 poster presentations.
The conference venue was magnificent: “Het Pand”, is situated in the historical center of Ghent, it is an ancient monastery (13th century) of the order of the Dominicans, which has been renovated completely. The University of Ghent is using it currently for academic meetings and the organization of symposia and congresses. It houses – apart from a large number of congress rooms – various museum collections, exhibition areas and a restaurant.
The host institute, the University of Ghent, was founded in 1810. Over the past two centuries it has developed towards a highly-ranked academic society, with 11 faculties occupied by 15,000 staff and 44,000 students. The PYRO2022 conference organizers worked with the Department of Green Chemistry and Technology of the Bioscience faculty, and at the Laboratory of Chemical Technology of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. Together, they have an extensive experience in pyrolysis research and built a significant network of international collaboration.
All members of the pyrolysis community were cordially invited to spend one week in the spectacular town of Ghent, to enjoy the presentation of new pyrolysis results in the first place, but also to establish collaborations by meeting new colleagues and seeing old friends again.